Interventional laser surgery cures incontinence in young dog
Successful cystopic-guided laser ablation of intramural ectopic ureter.
Clinicians from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies Hospital for Small Animals were able to cure a young dog with persistent incontinence following the successful cystopic-guided laser ablation of an intramural ectopic ureter.
Perdi, a one-year-old female entire Labrador was referred by her vet to the Hospital for Small Animals due to her persistent incontinence that had failed to respond to medical management.
Initial test results excluded a urinary tract infection or urinary stones as a potential cause. Following an ultrasound and a 4D CT excretory urography to examine the kidneys, ureters and bladder (a protocol designed by the Hospital’s own Diagnostic Imaging team) confirmed diagnosis of an ectopic ureter. Fluoroscopy and cystoscopy were then used to confidently confirm Perdi had an intramural ectopic ureter.
Ectopic Ureter
This congenital anomaly sees the ureteral orifice abnormally positioned. Instead of the ureter leaving the kidney and terminating in the bladder, it inserts into the bladder but tunnels within the bladder and urethra wall opening straight into the urethra.
Ectopic ureters are the most common causes of congenital urinary incontinence in young female dogs. Unfortunately, as the preferred option of medical management of the condition had proved unsuccessful in Perdi’s case, she became a candidate for intervention.
Cystopic Guided laser ablation
Keen to avoid abdominal surgery, clinicians Dr Glynn Woods and Dr Marissa Ferreira performed a cystopic-guided laser ablation whilst Perdi was anaesthetised, successfully re-locating Perdi’s ureter orifice into the bladder. The young dog also had a persistent vaginal band, which was also successfully lasered.
The procedure went ahead without any intra-operative complications and Perdi recovered quickly after a modest two-hour anaesthesia. The young dog was kept comfortable with multi-modal analgesics whilst she recovered from the general anaesthetic and was discharged the following morning.
Successful outcome
Perdi’s incontinence resolved immediately post procedure and owners reported no incontinence in the weeks that followed as medication was weaned. At Perdi’s six-week post-operative recheck there were no urinary complications associated with the laser procedure.
Perdi’s case is a great example of how a step wise medical approach. Application of advanced imaging techniques and minimally invasive interventions can make remarkable difference to both dog and owners' life. Perdi’s owners and local vet worked closely with our team to ensure that Perdi was the most suitable candidate for the procedure prior to embarking on the trip to Edinburgh. Marisa and I are over the moon that she has responded so well.
About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos.
The School comprises:
The Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems
The Hospital for Small Animals
The Jeanne Marchig International Centre for Animal Welfare Education
We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge.